Category Archives: Recipes

I love starting the morning off with some inspiration, especially a Monday morning. So, I thought I would share with you my latest Amazon purchase –

I have been following Katie’s blog for a little over a year now and her gorgeous food styling is nothing short of genius. Layered with texture, color and an amazing vintage flair her images take my breath away. I couldn’t resist pre-ordering her book. It should arrive on my doorstep mid October! Yah! I have had no time for cooking lately but I will happily drool over all the stunning photos…

See what I’m talking about? Crazy beautiful right?! Her compositions are works of still life magic. Oh, and you must check out this sweet video that show’s Katie in action…

There is nothing more inspiring than witnessing an artist at work – creating with authentic passion and intention!

So, I just got done posting on my other blog about my love of Vintage Seltzer Bottles. These amazing historic objects are now being sought out, collected and displayed in homes. While they look beautiful anywhere you put them, they fit perfectly nestled among other pretty barware.

With Mad Men influencing style and celebrating the age of martinis, people are pulling out their liquor and putting it on display. And why not? It looks gorgeous! Check out these oh-so-glamorous vintage bar set ups. LOVE!

This weathered trunk makes the perfect pedestal for your bar. Its rustic textures play off the sparkle and polish of the bottles and silver tray. The mirror doubles the glamor. And I just love the mod Lucite chairs.

Drool. (note to self – buy a vintage bar cart asap!)

one word – AMAZING!

make your bar mobile with a wheeled cart!

French flair and elegance at its best. You know you would receive a tres chic concoction from this bar, perhaps a Pompier? Never heard of one?…neither had I but they were a popular cocktail served in Paris during the 1930’s! Made with a black currant liquor (crème de cassis), dry vermouth and club soda, it is meant to be absolutely delicious on hot summer days! Gotta try this one.

Your bar cart doesn’t have to be shiny and new, this well-worn industrial cart has a great masculine, urban feel.

Adore this one. So feminine! In the market for a vintage bar cart? Check out these I found for sale on Etsy – 1, 2, 3.

Don’t want to cart it? No worries, use a table and corral your barware on trays to help define the intention of your display.

Or proudly show off your cocktail fixings within a bookshelf. This is a fantastic idea for someone living in tight quarters.

Okay so are you ready for your Friday Escape? I am! Thank you so much to those of you who left suggestions. I really appreciate it. I made a list and we will be visiting all the lovely locations you recommended.

Today, thanks to one of my fabulous readers, Hera, we are going to the Maldives!

This gorgeous Island Nation is in the Indian ocean about 250 miles south-west of India. Amazing crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and decadent resorts…it’s a little slice of paradise. Let’s go!

I know…it doesn’t look real. I’ve only seen this kind of beach as a screen saver! This must be where they get those shots!

We are staying at the Alila Villas Hadahaa resort. The resort is located on one of the tropical islands in the North Huvadhoo Atol. It’s reputation is stellar and many celebrities have stayed here…so it should be perfect for us.

Luxury – check. Amazing – check. Could never afford it in real life – check.

That’s it up ahead…see the little villas that are built right over the ocean! I booked us in one of those…of course. Only the best for my Friday escape travelers.

Welcome to the resort…wanna go see our Aqua Villa….

Isn’t it beautiful? Let’s go inside…

Yeah… this should be just fine. Follow me and I’ll show you where I will be spending most of my time…

So fabulous right? The colors of the water are so stunning! Who’s making cocktails? Oh heck, I’ll just have some brought over to us.

So what do you think? A couple of hours on the deck then we can hit the beach, a sunset soak at the spa followed by a massage then we will hit the bar and restaurant for dinner…sound like a plan?

The two restaurants at the resort, Battuta and Relish serve up Maldivian and Moroccan inspired cuisine. Yum! I love trying new dishes. Want recipes? Go here or here.

I ordered this delectable Moroccan chicken and chickpea dish with spicy avocado! Recipe.

That was delicious! Let’s stroll back to our villa. I am totally ready to fall asleep, listening to the waves…

Wow look at those stars. This place is magical. Okay…lets see take a vote…raise your hand if you never want to leave!

Hope you enjoyed this little jaunt to the Maldives. Pretty amazing place huh? Thanks for coming along.

It was so sweet. He patiently measured out each ingredient and then allowed her to add it to the bowl. With her tiny hands, she carefully emptied each cup or spoonful, making sure she didn’t spill a drop. I stood back to observe the magic and take pictures…

Grace didn’t like the sound of the mixer but managed a smile for me.

The pumpkin pies won’t win any prizes for beauty but they tasted delicious and my brother and Grace got to bond. I’m so thankful to have him living here in Portland! It means so much to me that Grace will grow up knowing her Aunt and Uncle.

I hope tomorrow, your family and friends will experience the delight of preparing delicious food together! Being surrounded by those we love is something I will always be thankful for.

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Welcome

Hi there. I'm Ivy and Welcome to Grace & Ivy! I'm an artist, photographer, teacher and mother. I believe we are all creative beings. By sharing my creative journey, I hope to inspire, uplift and shine light on others and their own unique gifts. I love featuring other artists that inspire me and you will see me posting my own creative projects and process. Enjoy and if you have any questions don't hesistate to email me ivette@graceandivy.com